Maybe you’ve been there: you’ve been away visiting the folks for the holidays or were simply gone at work and you come home to split pipes and the water damage that follows. We are sure, if you’ve been there, you know the nightmare of the cleanup process. Not only do you have to invest in water damage restoration services, but you also need to invest in mold testing and possible mold removal. This does not even take into consideration the sentimental items that may have been damaged beyond repair. If your pipes haven’t burst in the winter, now you know why you must do all that you can to prevent this disaster from happening. For this reason, today we are going to talk about how to avoid burst pipes this winter.
Keep a Faucet Running
Sometimes the best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to keep the water in them moving—turn on your faucet to a low dribble. We know keeping a faucet on a low drip may seem wasteful. However, wasting a little bit of water is better than a flooded home full of a greater amount of wasted water.
Keep Your Entire Home Warm
There are some parts of your home that are more susceptible to freezing than others, namely those that are near the exterior of your home. Pipes that are located on or near the exterior of your home are the most susceptible to freezing. To prevent these pipes from causing a big water-ridden disaster, direct heated air to them. Also, consider investing in better insulation for your home in these susceptible places.
Leave a Door Open
No don’t leave any of your outer doors open—that will not help at all! However, leaving the cabinet doors under your kitchen sink open can help prevent your kitchen sink faucet from freezing up while you’re away working or gone for the holidays.
Disconnect Your Hose
Disconnecting your hose from your outside faucet is another way to avoid damage from the bitter cold that hits during the winter months. Disconnecting it will help ensure none of the various parts of the device freeze and split.
Heat Tape
Sometimes keeping your pipes from freezing requires a bit of home maintenance. Heat tape can help keep your pipes warm and your pipes from freezing. Head over to your local home improvement store or consult your local plumber for more information.
Seal Leaks
Sometimes a leaky home can be the bane of an owner’s existence not only because of the greater possibility for burst pipes, but also because of the effects of the cold on your energy bill. Inspect your home for leaks letting in cold air. Focus your attention on areas around your electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. However there might be other areas that may need your attention, as well. Caulk and insulation can seal openings and keep the cold out.
Keep the Temperature Up
Keeping the temperature up in your home is also key. Anytime the temperature in your home drops below 32 degrees, your pipes will most likely freeze. Even if you are going out of town, it is recommended that you set your thermostat at 55 degrees to avoid dropping into danger zone temperatures.
We hope that you never have to deal with burst pipes. However, know that if you unfortunately do, that we at Sky Disaster Restoration are here for you. We offer water damage restoration, as well as mold testing, mold removal, and many other services as well. We would love to help you pick up the pieces after a disaster. We can help you not only with the clean up process, but can assist you through the insurance process as well.